CMC Vane Y-Weave Trailing Edge With Seamless Platform Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

CMC vanes face limitations in reducing the trailing edge radius due to the minimum bend radius of fabric layup materials, leading to larger trailing edges that hinder aerodynamic performance, and existing Y-weave plies require additional machining steps for proper aerodynamics at the interface with platforms.

Innovation Solution

A CMC vane design incorporating a Y-weave ply with trimmed consolidated plies and cap plies that extend through platforms, eliminating the need for post-densification machining by matching curvature with cap plies and forming a seamless trailing edge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a Y-weave ply is used to reduce the trailing edge radius, then the trailing edge radius is reduced below the typical bend radius, but an extra machining step is required at the interface of the trailing edge and platform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailing edge radiusVSAvoidmachining step

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The Y-weave ply is merged with the shear tube by extending the consolidated ply through the platforms and blending it with cap plies, creating a seamless integration that eliminates the need for separate machining operations at the interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The consolidated ply of the Y-weave is extended through the platforms during the layup process before densification, and cap plies are applied to blend the surfaces, preparing the interface in advance to avoid post-manufacturing machining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Shape

If the trailing edge radius is reduced for better aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the fabric layup material breaks and frays due to minimum bend radius limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailing edge radiusVSAvoidfabric layup integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The Y-weave ply combines two preform plies woven together to form a consolidated ply with enhanced structural properties, allowing the trailing edge to achieve a smaller radius without fabric breakage or fraying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The consolidated ply of the Y-weave provides localized reinforcement at the trailing edge region, enabling it to withstand the bending stresses required for a smaller radius while maintaining fabric integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12529320B1Partial shear tube y-weave trailing edge for a CMC vane and method therefor

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 RTX CORP

AI summary

A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) vane or layup therefor includes first and second platforms, and an airfoil portion extending therebetween. The airfoil portion includes a first portion of a shear tube extending relatively orthogonal to the first and second platforms, wherein the first portion of the shear tube extends through the first and second platforms, and wherein the first portion of the shear tube defines a leading edge and a hollow core of the airfoil portion. A second portion of the shear tube is connected to the first portion of shear tube and extends relatively orthogonal to the first and second platforms, wherein the second portion of the shear tube also extends through the first and second platforms, and wherein the second portion of the shear tube includes a Y-weave ply and a trailing edge noodle that define a trailing edge of the airfoil portion.